In efforts to find a solution to rising land crisis in the Islands, the Zanzibar House of Representatives has joined in by forming its probe committee to investigate some of the ‘burning’ disputes, speaker of the House Mr Pandu Ameir Kificho said.

Mr Pandu Ameir Kificho

“This House probe team follows your requests to do so. Fortunately the government has not opposed. We need to help the government in ending land crisis, which is threatening the stability of our land,” Kificho said before he announced the formation of a five-member committee.

According to the speaker, terms of references for the House land crisis investigation committee would be based on the discussions made in the House during the debate on the Ministry responsible for Land budget last month.

“You will need to find the Hansard for references, but your task includes exploring reasons for the ongoing land disputes between ordinary residents, investors, senior government officials, politicians, and the government,” the speaker said.

The land disputes House Committee members appointed are Mr Abdallah  Mohamed Ali (CUF-Mkoani), Ms Fatma Mbarouk Said (CCM- Amani), Mr Abdallah Juma Abdallah (CUF- Chonga), Mr Nassor Ali salim (CCM- Rahaleo), and Mr Ali Mzee Ali (CCM- appointed).

Several people including legislators have expressed their concern over increasing land disputes in several parts of Zanzibar. Investors and some dishonest leaders have been the main course of land crisis.  Meanwhile, Zanzibar Second Vice President Ambassador Seif Ali Iddi has said that Zanzibar dwelling in land crisis is a “a threat to national unity, peace, and stability.”

“We need to end this nuisance of land disputes. I appeal to leaders at village, district, and regional levels to find solutions to the land problems before the government intervenes,” Iddi said as he also warned people not to take laws in their own hands in land crisis.

By ISSA YUSSUF, Tanzania Daily News